The nightly excitement was the bane of my existence when my kids were little. I remember vividly that at five in the morning every semblance of peace and order we had achieved during the day vanished out the window.
If you also experience this, you have already experienced the so-called “witching hour”.
This is that time of the night - usually around noon - when your baby starts to get heartbroken and particularly fussy.
Sometimes it feels like there is no cause or cure for late night excitement. However, there are a few likely culprits that could make your baby overly sensitive and irritable during this time.
Below I've highlighted the most common causes and put together some tips for you to help your baby settle in.
Evening excitement Cause #1: You have colic
Colic is described as crying that lasts more than three hours a day, occurs at least three days a week, and lasts for at least three weeks in a row.
All babies show the same cry curve whether they are colic or not
Colic occurs only in newborns, starts around 2-3 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks and disappears after 3-5 months.
However, the cause of colic is officially unknown.the latest researchsuggests that colic is a developmental stage rather than a medical condition.
The intense crying associated with colic typically occurs in the evening hours. Many parents report that it starts between 5pm and 11pm and can last into the early hours of the morning.
This is usually that time of the evening when your family is ready to unwind and unwind from the day, making all that crying extra frustrating!
How to help your baby:
Bouncing on an exercise ball:This is the #1 method I recommend to calm a colicky baby, especially in the evenings. The bouncing motion can be soothing for babies as it mimics the movements they felt in the womb.
Use loud white noise:Babies are used to the sounds of the womb. Once they are born and find themselves in the stillness of a room with no noise, it can be unfamiliar and scary. White noise will help calm your baby, reproducing the soothing sound they are familiar with.
Use the 5S from the Happiest Baby Alive:The happiest baby on the block, written by Harvey Karp, MD, highlights the five S's to calm a picky baby. These are great for the witching hour, especially if you suspect your baby is suffering from colic. For more information, see the article by Dr. carpWith the 5 S's.
Use a Fisher Price Rock n' Play or Fisher Price Cradlen' Swing:TheFisher Price Rock n’ Play Newborn Sleeperwas voted number one in my last poll,The top product for picky babies. TheFisher Price cradle and swingclose behind in fourth place. These two products mimic the movements your baby felt in the womb, helping them feel safe and secure.
breastfeeding:Sometimes the only way to get through those hectic evening hours is to still the night. This is commonly referred to as cluster feeding. We will cover this in more detail in point 2 below.
For more information on what colic is and how to calm a colicky baby check out my free guide.5 things I wish I knew about colic.
Nighttime excitement Cause #2: You need to fuel up before bed
Many parents report that their baby wants to breastfeed uninterruptedly in the evening hours. This is especially true for 0-3 month old children. The "Cluster-Feeding' can serve to help your little one before their longest sleep (at least in theory, sleep time is longest at the beginning of the night).
Babies often seem restless when breastfeeding in the evening, take small amounts and then withdraw. This can make you doubt your milk production or wonder if you are actually hungry, gassy or perhaps suffering from acid reflux.
For older babies, switching to an earlier bedtime can help alleviate much of this awkwardness. When he or she goes to bed earlier and isstillfussy, however a good, long feed may be needed to calm and comfort him and fill him up before bedtime.
How to help:
Let your baby breastfeed as often as she wants in the evening, even if it means sitting on the couch for hours. If you are bottle-feeding, offer the bottle to your baby until he or she no longer accepts it.
While you may sometimes feel guilty or conflicted about "overfeeding," frequent evening breastfeeding also serves to increase your milk production - so never feel guilty!
Evening excitement Cause #3: You're overtired again
During the newborn period - especially when your baby is colicky - he falls asleep when and where he wants. His sleep schedule can be anywhere, and with colic, there's little you can do about it.
However, if your 3-5 month old goes to bed very late at night, he may continue to cry at nightsimply because she is overtired.This is why parents tell me they are 6, 8 or 10 months oldstillIf he has colic, the first thing I ask is: "When does he go to sleep at night?".
But what if your baby never had colic?
It's important to note that around 4 months, babies start falling asleep earlier at night. This equates to that nasty “4-month sleep regression,” which is actually not a regression at all; It's really just that age when a baby's sleep begins to resemble an adult's sleep.
At 4 months, it's time to gently nudge your baby out of the "sleep whenever, wherever" thing and start checking the clock and thinking about a bedtime routine.
How to help your baby:
Diagram courtesy of Precious Little Sleep
This is a great time to start getting into a little more of a sleep routine, especially after bedage-appropriate wake-up times. I also like very muchEat, play, sleepto establish a more predictable pattern for the day.
Many babies from 4 months feel most comfortable when they go to bed in between6:00-7:30. If your little one takes a third nap during the day, bedtime may be a little later. If your baby's bedtime is significantly later, try gradually moving it up in 30-minute increments.
Oftentimes, this can completely eliminate nighttime excitement as your baby is now sound asleep instead of fussing and crying because he is overtired.
That was the case with my daughter; When I finally got her to sleep at 6:00 am, her evening excitement vanished. And contrary to what you might think, she still slept just as late at night!
To make sure you fall asleep at bedtime, don't allow yourself a nap after about 4 p.m. While it's tempting to nap while you're preparing dinner, napping too late can seriously mess up bedtime! (trust me I've been there).
For tips on how to help a restless baby fall asleep, check out my free eBook..
Nighttime excitement causes #4: You're overstimulated
Many experts believe that overstimulation is one of the key factors behind colic and agitation in infants. Throughout the day your baby is preoccupied with the sounds, sights and smells around him; come 5 p.m., sensitive babies have ENOUGH! (If you're an introvert like me, you can probably relate to this as well).
In an attempt to recover from the stimulation of the day, these babies will cry, fuss, and whine simply because their resources to cope have been exhausted. I've often wondered if these babies also cry to drown out the stimulation around them.
AccordinglyDr Karp, picky babies tend to have less government control, which means they aren't as good at maintaining balance. This makes it harder for them to fall asleep on their own, stay asleep, calm down, etc.
Because of this, they may have a harder time turning off the stimulation of the day naturally.
The result? Much evening crying!
How to help your baby:
Place your baby in a dark room (I strongly recommend blackout blinds) and turn off all unnecessary noise and stimuli (TV, children's projector, night light, etc.).
This does NOT mean, however, to do everything quietly, calmly and quietly.
Nervous babies often need loud white noise and rigorous exercise to calm them down. Remember that in the womb they were used to a lot of noise and movement around the clock.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but often a baby who is overstimulated doesn't need all the stimulation to go away - it just needs the right kind of stimulation.
For younger babies, a snug-fitting swaddle can help calm the startle reflex, which can hinder the calming process. Swaddling, holding her on your shoulder, and then bouncing on an exercise ball can work wonders. Many parents also swear by themFisher Price Rock’n’Playto help her newborn calm down and sleep.
For older babies who have outgrown the swaddle, theBaby Merlin's Magic Pajamascan be a better alternative to a regular blanket. UseseaWhite noise is also recommended up to infancy.
Remember…
The witching hour can be a tough time for both you and your baby, whether it's because of colic, overstimulation, or any of the other reasons I've covered.
It can be especially tough because YOU are probably tired too, which means your own emotional and physical resources are low as well.
Do your best to stay calm while trying to soothe your baby and try the tips above.
Finally, remember that although it feels like this is going to take forever, the "witching hour"Willeeventually end.
If you are looking for more answers and guidance related to your high needs child or picky child, you may be interested in m
y new ebook,The survival guide for picky babies. It's packed with information, strategies, stories, and the full results of two surveys I conducted among parents of high-need babies. It answers questions like:
- How do I know if my baby has colic, cravings, or something else entirely?
- Will my high need baby ever get better? And if so WHEN?
- Is "high demand" a real thing? Is there any research to back this up?
- What are the most effective strategies to help my baby with high sleep needs?
- How do I deal with my child's violent tantrums?
For more information or to secure your copy now, click here!
Credit: thedalogs1/22/09: The ambulanceabovefotopin (license)
Special thanks to Alexa fromPrecious little sleepfor the great sleep chart above.
FAQs
What causes a baby to be fussy in the evening? ›
The following might be causes your baby is suddenly fussy in the evening: Growth spurt hunger. As your baby goes through phases of intense growth (common growth spurts occur around 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months), they may be hungry and want to cluster feed. Slower milk letdown.
Why is my 4 month old fussy in the evening? ›You may know it well: early evening is approaching, and your baby starts to fuss. The 'witching hour' is a period—usually between 5 and 11 p.m.—when many babies get cranky and irritable, and may be difficult, if not impossible, to soothe. Evening fussiness typically resolves on its own between 4 and 6 months.
How long does the 4 month fussy phase last? ›No wonder your little one is cranky and in need of comfort. If you've experienced this phase, you aren't alone, fortunately this fussy phase should only last between two and four weeks; any longer than that, and you'll have accidentally created a new unwanted sleep schedule for her.
How do I stop my baby from being fussy at night? ›Gently rub their back. If your baby goes to sleep, remember to always lay her down in her crib on her back. Turn on a calming sound. Sounds that remind babies of being inside the womb may be calming, such as a white noise device, the humming sound of a fan, or the recording of a heartbeat.
How long does baby evening fussiness last? ›For most babies, the witching hour starts to occur around 2-3 weeks and peaks at 6 weeks. It will typically completely resolve by 3-4 months.
Why won't my baby settle in the evening? ›Overstimulation and Changes in Sleep Patterns
“As babies grow, they become more aware of their environment and of their own bodies, so being overtired/missing naps or being overstimulated can contribute to a tough evening,” Dr.
- Hold and rock your baby and reassure them that they're okay. ...
- Practice mindfulness while you're soothing your baby. ...
- Make a point of getting outside every day. ...
- Make time to enjoy your baby. ...
- Get professional help if you feel you're struggling.
A sleep regression is a period when a baby or toddler who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking at night, being difficult to settle and/or skipping naps. This is a natural and normal change for your baby, but it can be a distressing time for parents.
How do I teach my 4 month old to self soothe? ›- Meet your baby's needs first. Before you assume that your baby is just cranky, review their list of needs. ...
- Set a schedule. Babies love routine. ...
- Use white noise. ...
- Stay close without picking them up. ...
- Try a pacifier. ...
- Wean them off feeding to sleep.
At 4 months, babies usually take 4 to 6 ounces per feeding. At 6 months, babies may be taking up to 8 ounces every 4 to 5 hours.
Why Leap 4 is the hardest? ›
The reason this leap is much longer than any other leap had been before is that baby's skills are now more complicated to learn. They take more time.
Does the 4 month regression end suddenly? ›Provided you stay consistent with your baby's bedtime routine and take steps to avoid forming any potentially bad habits (more on that below), the 4-month sleep regression should end on its own in about two weeks or less.
How long should you let your baby cry before picking up? ›If your baby cries for you, experts suggest that you let her cry for a short interval of between two minutes and 10 minutes, before going to comfort her. You can gently pat and reassure her while she's still in her cot or pick her up and put her down again.
Why is baby gas worse at night? ›At nighttime, there's less movement and the gas can build up and get trapped. Additionally, babies tend to feed close to bedtime, and air introduced during this feed can become trapped. Also, our digestive systems are still very active at night and the results of digestion can be… gas!
How do you calm down a fussy baby? ›Sing or talk to the baby in a soothing voice. Gently rub or stroke the baby's back, chest or tummy. Offer a pacifier or try to distract the baby with a rattle or toy. Swaddle the baby with a soft blanket.
What age does fussiness peak? ›Most babies will have a period of increased fussiness starting at around 2 weeks of age and usually peaking between 6-8 weeks of age. Although, this is a normal developmental stage for infants it can be very stressful for parents and caregivers.
Is it normal for babies to cry every evening same time? ›The witching hour is described as normal fussy periods that almost all babies go through. It happens around the same time every day and most frequently occurs in the late afternoon and evening hours. It will often begin between weeks 2 and 3, peak around week 6, and then fade around 3 months.
Why do babies cry at 5pm? ›Breastfed babies may have an additional reason to cry during the evening witching hour: “Your prolactin levels drop, [so] you're making less milk,” says Meigan Alexander, a certified lactation consultant and owner of BettyRuth Baby, a new-mom concierge service in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How do you reset an overtired baby? ›- Swaddle your baby (stop swaddling once baby can roll), even if they fight it, which many tired babies will.
- Once they're swaddled, hold them tightly against your chest.
- Breastfeed or give your baby a bottle. ...
- Gently and slowly rock or bounce your baby and put them down drowsy but still awake.
She's Tired.
Most babies up to 3 months can stay awake no more than ~1.5 hours before it becomes harder to get them to fall asleep and then stay asleep. So your baby wants to eat and sleep - competing needs this time of day. She may be staying up longer than the 1.5 hours to eat and now she's tired, which means fussy.
Should I let my baby cry during witching hour? ›
If your baby's crying is getting to you, it's fine to put them in a safe place (like their crib) and let them cry for a bit. Take a few minutes to calm down and call a friend, family member, or parenting hotline like the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-427-2736.
What are the symptoms of witching hour? ›Witching hour usually starts in the late afternoon and lasts into the early evening (5:00 - 11:00pm). It's when your newborn starts to fuss, and then that fuss turns into crying, and that crying turns into screaming.
What is purple crying in babies? ›What Is PURPLE Crying? PURPLE crying is a stage that some babies go through when they seem to cry for long periods of time and resist soothing. Your baby may find it hard to settle or calm down no matter what you do for them. The phrase PURPLE crying was coined by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
What week is most common for 4 month sleep regression? ›Baby is 13-22 weeks old
Your baby might be going through the 4-month sleep regression if they are between 13-22 weeks old. Gone are the days that baby can sleep through anything, feed on demand without messing up their nights, and go down quietly for every nap.
How long does the 4 month sleep regression last? Sleep regressions typically last 2 - 6 weeks. Improving sleep after the 4 month regression depends on how quickly a baby is able to develop healthy sleep habits and be physiologically ready to link sleep cycles on their own.
How do I teach my baby to self settle? ›- Check your baby is comfortable: change their nappy, provide a feed if hungry. Make sure they aren't too hot or too cold.
- Try repetitive, slow, rocking and rhythmical movement.
- Try a baby massage or warm bath.
- Try a change of scenery such as going for a walk.
Many parents start noticing their infant demonstrating self-soothing behaviors by 3 to 4 months. By 6 months, most infants are capable of going 8 or more hours without needing a feed in the night, so it's an ideal time to encourage them to self-soothe themselves to sleep — and back to sleep if they wake up.
How do I teach my baby self-soothing at night? ›You can help your baby learn to self-soothe by establishing a consistent bedtime routine. This can include activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, and soothing music or white noise. Consistency is key, as it helps your baby know what to expect and can cue their body that it is time to sleep.
What happens if you don't teach a baby to self-soothe? ›Research shows that even if a baby stops crying, their cortisol levels (stress hormone) remains elevated. This means that baby didn't learn to actually soothe herself, she simply learned there was no point in crying. Crying in and of itself doesn't create elevated cortisol levels or kick in the fight or flight reflex.
What is the average weight for a 4 month old? ›The average weight for a 4-month-old baby is 14.2 pounds for girls and 15.4 pounds for boys; the average length (aka height) is 24.4 inches for girls and 25.2 inches for boys. Of course that doesn't mean your 4-month-old should weigh and measure exactly that.
What should a 4 month old weigh? ›
| Baby age | Female 50th percentile weight | Male 50th percentile weight |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 12 lb 14 oz (5.8 kg) | 14 lb 1 oz (6.4 kg) |
| 4 months | 14 lb 3 oz (6.4 kg) | 15 lb 7 oz (7.0 kg) |
| 5 months | 15 lb 3 oz (6.9 kg) | 16 lb 9 oz (7.5 kg) |
| 6 months | 16 lb 1 oz (7.3 kg) | 17 lb 8 oz (7.9 kg) |
A growth spurt typically only lasts a few daysand things usually settle back down again to normal within a week at most. It's important at this time to look after yourself as well as following your baby's cues, especially if you're feeling under pressure.
How long does 4th leap last? ›Whereas the previous three leaps only lasted a week or two, leap 4 lasts an incredible five weeks and boy, doesn't it feel like the longest five weeks ever?! Leap 4 is all about your baby learning about the events around him and we've seen such a huge change in Felix since her entered this leap.
What week does Leap 4 end? ›So leap 4 finishes around the 19.5 week mark, and for us, it actually ended with a bang because the last couple of days of the leap we were treated to three days of hourly night wake ups and a super fussy baby who screamed every time we put him in the cot for a nap.
What does 4-month sleep regression look like? ›During a sleep regression, infants may have difficulty falling and staying asleep and sleep less throughout the night. Your infant may seem fussy or restless and cry more after waking. How Long Does the 4-Month Sleep Regression Last? 4-month sleep regressions typically subside within a few days or weeks.
What time should 4 month old go to bed? ›At 4 months, all naps should be ending by 5:00pm with bedtime happening about 2-2.25 hours after the last nap ends. So again, this means that bedtime should not be much later than 7:15pm. 5 months: Babies at this age should be solidly on a 3 nap schedule.
Can I let my 4 month old cry it out? ›Sleep training, in general, should begin no earlier than 4 months and should not be introduced until your baby can sleep for long stretches at a time. Newborns and young babies should never "cry it out," but you can let your 4-month-or-older baby cry themselves to sleep for up to 10 minutes at a time.
What bedtime should a 4 month old have? ›Many four month olds do best with that 7 to 8 pm bedtime. However, some babies do hold on to a later bedtime just a bit longer. So please know, if your baby is thriving with a bedtime between 8 and 10 pm, there's no need to change anything yet.
Should you hold your baby every time they cry? ›It might be sometimes hard to work out what your baby needs when they cry. But even if your crying baby isn't sick, hurt, uncomfortable or hungry, it's still important to comfort them. For example, you could try cuddling or rocking them, taking them for a walk, or giving them a baby massage.
How many nights does cry it out take? ›Most parents who try the cry it out method find their babies cry increasingly less over the first three nights and their crying virtually ends somewhere between the fourth and seventh nights. Eventually babies may simply fuss or screech in complaint for a couple of minutes — or simply quietly fall asleep.
Is allowing my baby to cry without picking him her up a good thing? ›
Now researchers say they have found that leaving infants to cry has no impact on their behavioural development or their attachment to their mother, but may help them develop self-control.
Why is my baby fussy at night but not during the day? ›Feeling hungry, having a wet or soiled diaper, or being too hot or too cold are all reasons your baby may cry and act a bit fussy at night.
Does a pacifier help with gas? ›Using a pacifier.
“Almost all babies will find some baby gas relief by sucking on a pacifier,” O'Connor says, because the sucking action releases endorphins that will soothe them.
On the back. Place your baby on the back while moving their legs as if they were cycling. On the back is also the best sleeping position for a gassy baby (and the best and safest sleeping position for all infants until their first birthday).
What are the signs of colic? ›- Burping often or passing a lot of gas. This is likely because of swallowing air while crying. It doesn't cause colic.
- Having a bright red (flushed) face.
- Having a tight belly.
- Curling up their legs toward their belly when crying.
- Clenching their fists when crying.
It just so happens that there is one bundle of tricks known as the “5 S's.” Pediatrician Harvey Karp pioneered this method when he brought together five techniques that mothers have often used and organized them into this easy mnemonic: swaddle, side-stomach position, shush, swing, and suck.
Can I give my baby Tylenol for fussiness? ›- Consider using Acetaminophen only if your child develops symptoms, such as increased fussiness, or a fever of 101 degrees or greater. If symptoms continue, you may repeat a dose every 4 to 6 hours up to 5 doses in 24 hours.
What does evening fussiness mean? ›This is that time of the night – usually right around dinnertime – when your baby starts to become inconsolable and extra fussy. Sometimes it feels like there's no cause or cure for evening fussiness.
Why is my baby fussy the same time every day? ›The witching hour is described as normal fussy periods that almost all babies go through. It happens around the same time every day and most frequently occurs in the late afternoon and evening hours. It will often begin between weeks 2 and 3, peak around week 6, and then fade around 3 months.
How do I stop the witching hour? ›- Move up bedtime to prevent overstimulation. It might sound counter-intuitive, but it works. ...
- Set a nap routine to avoid an overtired baby. ...
- Create a bedtime routine with positive sleep associations. ...
- Add a feeding or cluster feeding. ...
- Dress baby in Zen Sleepwear™
What is it called when babies cry in the evening? ›
Witching hour usually starts in the late afternoon and lasts into the early evening (5:00 - 11:00pm). It's when your newborn starts to fuss, and then that fuss turns into crying, and that crying turns into screaming.
What are the stages of baby fussiness? ›These difficult periods are usually accompanied by the three C's: clinginess, crankiness and crying. We now know that they are the tell-tale signs of a period in which the child makes a major leap forward in his mental development. Babies all undergo these fussy phases at around the same ages.
Do colic babies cry in the evening? ›Colicky babies often cry from 6 p.m. to midnight. Colicky crying is louder, more high-pitched, and more urgent sounding than regular crying. Colicky babies can be very hard to calm down.
How do you calm a fussy baby? ›- Rock the baby, hold the baby close or walk with the baby.
- Stand up, hold the baby close and repeatedly bend your knees.
- Sing or talk to the baby in a soothing voice.
- Gently rub or stroke the baby's back, chest or tummy.
- Offer a pacifier or try to distract the baby with a rattle or toy.
Breastfed babies may have an additional reason to cry during the evening witching hour: “Your prolactin levels drop, [so] you're making less milk,” says Meigan Alexander, a certified lactation consultant and owner of BettyRuth Baby, a new-mom concierge service in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What are the rules of the witching hour? ›According to Cassandra Latham, the rules of spell-casting are: don't dabble but do persist; do not start anything that you can't finish; be aware that anything you wish for in another person may come back to you; and be precise.
What causes witching? ›There are many causes for the baby witching hour, including overstimulation, tiredness, an inability to self-soothe, hunger, and colic. Holding and rocking your baby, playing white noise, and using a pacifier can help soothe your fussy baby.